Résumé

Introduction: Diphtheria is a cosmopolitan bacterial infection caused by aerobic Gram-positive bacilli of the Corynebacterium complex (C. diphtheriae, C. ulcerans and C. pseudotuberculosis). Niger is facing a re-emergence of diphtheria epidemics, mainly in areas of high insecurity. In August 2023, rapid response teams under military escort were deployed to manage a diphtheria outbreak in the Abala Health District. The objective is to contribute to the reduction of morbidity and mortality related to this disease at the level of the Abala Health District. Methodology: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study of diphtheria cases recorded during this outbreak. Interviews with patients and their families in the refugee camps and desk reviews in health facilities were conducted. Oropharyngeal specimens were collected. A linear list of cases has been established. Epi Info 7.2 and Excel® used for analysis. Results: A total of 22 cases, including one death, were recorded with a case fatality rate of 4.54%. The 6-15 age group was the most affected 9 (41%) with a predominance of the female sex 17 (77%). No cases have been vaccinated against diphtheria. Out of 22 samples analyzed, 2 (9.09%) were PCR positive. Conclusion: Despite the local security context, the rapid response teams quickly broke the chain of transmission of diphtheria in the epidemic health district of Abala. A vaccination response in the refugee camps must be carried out.

Mot-clés :

Diphtheria, epidemic, insecurity, Abala, Niger